Thanks for sharing this! I'm neurodivergent and an educator (I teach neurodiversity & inclusion in grad school) and just went through my kiddo's initial eligibility process and man, did they act like I was a difficult person to deal with! My experience on the other side of the table did not make it easier to face the conflict that arose, and I think I was naive in thinking/hoping it would. I echo your sentiments about the importance of navigating and supporting our kids in navigating these spaces, but it's not easy, especially at first.
For avoiding the desire to follow the path of least resistance, it can be helpful to remember that your advocacy for your kid does indeed make the journey easier for others who may have fewer resources available to help them persevere. And framing it that way in conversations with district personnel can be helpful too (in other words, yes, you are advocating for your child, but that connects you to all the advocacy that happens for all of the students who need it, so what you're asking for isn't special treatment for your kid, it's equity for all kids who face barriers). Most educators are absolutely on the same page as most parents in this big-picture way, and the conflicts that arise tend to be about the smaller, more individual pieces (interpersonal dynamics, whether a specific accommodation is needed in a specific case, etc). Connecting back to everybody's 'why' (making education accessible and equitable for all students) can help these smaller points of contention feel less daunting—and if not, they can at least put some fresh wind in your sails.
Although my adult son does not have autism, I have experienced many of the same feelings as challenges as we navigate his life with cerebral palsy. Thank you for putting these into words and sharing your story. Advocacy is hard, but essential...for our kids and for the world.
Thanks for sharing, Kris. I agree that though the particulars differ, we are up against the same systems that try to limit and erase our kids at every age and stage.
Thanks for sharing this! I'm neurodivergent and an educator (I teach neurodiversity & inclusion in grad school) and just went through my kiddo's initial eligibility process and man, did they act like I was a difficult person to deal with! My experience on the other side of the table did not make it easier to face the conflict that arose, and I think I was naive in thinking/hoping it would. I echo your sentiments about the importance of navigating and supporting our kids in navigating these spaces, but it's not easy, especially at first.
Oof, I guess it's made harder when it's your own child! Do you have any tips or advice I haven't mentioned that might help readers?
For avoiding the desire to follow the path of least resistance, it can be helpful to remember that your advocacy for your kid does indeed make the journey easier for others who may have fewer resources available to help them persevere. And framing it that way in conversations with district personnel can be helpful too (in other words, yes, you are advocating for your child, but that connects you to all the advocacy that happens for all of the students who need it, so what you're asking for isn't special treatment for your kid, it's equity for all kids who face barriers). Most educators are absolutely on the same page as most parents in this big-picture way, and the conflicts that arise tend to be about the smaller, more individual pieces (interpersonal dynamics, whether a specific accommodation is needed in a specific case, etc). Connecting back to everybody's 'why' (making education accessible and equitable for all students) can help these smaller points of contention feel less daunting—and if not, they can at least put some fresh wind in your sails.
I like how you frame that, Hannah. Thanks for contributing to the discussion!
Thanks Julie! Appreciated the post.
Although my adult son does not have autism, I have experienced many of the same feelings as challenges as we navigate his life with cerebral palsy. Thank you for putting these into words and sharing your story. Advocacy is hard, but essential...for our kids and for the world.
Thanks for sharing, Kris. I agree that though the particulars differ, we are up against the same systems that try to limit and erase our kids at every age and stage.